Alumni Spotlight: Sam Cyr – Professional Golfer

Living out of a suitcase and traveling to places such as Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand within a matter of weeks sounds like a once in a lifetime college backpacking trip, but for Sam Cyr, a class of 2005 graduate, it is just another day at the office.

Cyr is a professional golfer on the Asian Tour, the principal men’s professional golf tour in Asia. Host countries include India, Myanmar, Philippines, and South Korea just to name a few.

“The Asian Tour has been a good opportunity, it’s definitely opened up some doors,” said Cyr, who has flown more than 100,000 miles over the past two years.

Although Cyr is living his childhood dreams, it hasn’t always been what he exactly imagined. “My path has been different in the sense that I had a dream to play collegiate and professional golf,” said Cyr. He just never pictured how it would look like.

Courtesy of the Asian Tour

“I thought I would be playing in the United States, but I am so blessed looking back at the experiences that I have had over the last few years playing on the Asian Tour. I am traveling the world and learning so much. …It’s been a crazy road for me for sure, but it’s been awesome,” he said.

As a Kekaulike student, Cyr was known for his golfing skills, winning the Maui Interscholastic League individual boys golf championship title during his senior year. His talents also helped to lead the KKHS golf team to win three MIL championships during his high school career.

He attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California, earning a business administration degree and playing on the men’s golf team. While in college, Cyr was a four-time All-American, won 12 tournaments and two NAIA national championships (2008 and 2009).

Cyr’s first pro win came at the 2010 Mid-Pacific Open, by two shots over PGA Tour winner Dean Wilson. His second and third came the next year, at the Hawaii State and Maui opens.

During the 2013 season, Cyr made $97,271 in tournament earnings, ranking him 39th in the Order of Merit, a ranking of player winnings for the Asian Tour.

Courtesy of the Asian Tour

Reflecting back on high school, Cyr gives practical advice about success, “I think that the decisions we make each day do influence our tomorrow. High school is a great time to set your future up and make your goals for the upcoming years,” he said.

Still single, Cyr is adapting to his increasingly busy life, “ I am learning how to balance my life with travel and business obligations,” he said.

Cyr’s ultimate dream is to one-day play on the coveted PGA Tour and with his track record of achievement, he is well on his way of making his dreams a reality.